2 Kings 8:29

And king Joram went back to be healed in Jezreel of the wounds which the Syrians had given him at Ramah, when he fought against Hazael king of Syria. And Ahaziah the son of Jehoram king of Judah went down to see Joram the son of Ahab in Jezreel, because he was sick.

And king {H4428} Joram {H3141} went back {H7725} to be healed {H7495} in Jezreel {H3157} of the wounds {H4347} which the Syrians {H761} had given {H5221} him at Ramah {H7414}, when he fought {H3898} against Hazael {H2371} king {H4428} of Syria {H758}. And Ahaziah {H274} the son {H1121} of Jehoram {H3088} king {H4428} of Judah {H3063} went down {H3381} to see {H7200} Joram {H3141} the son {H1121} of Ahab {H256} in Jezreel {H3157}, because he was sick {H2470}.

King Yoram returned to Yizre'el to be healed of the wounds which the Aramim had inflicted on him at Ramah while fighting Haza'el king of Aram. Achazyah the son of Y'horam, king of Y'hudah, went down to visit Yoram the son of Ach'av in Yizre'el, because he was not feeling well.

So King Joram returned to Jezreel to recover from the wounds that the Arameans had inflicted on him at Ramah when he fought against Hazael king of Aram. Then Ahaziah son of Jehoram king of Judah went down to Jezreel to visit Joram son of Ahab, because Joram had been wounded.

And king Joram returned to be healed in Jezreel of the wounds which the Syrians had given him at Ramah, when he fought against Hazael king of Syria. And Ahaziah the son of Jehoram king of Judah went down to see Joram the son of Ahab in Jezreel, because he was sick.

Commentary

2 Kings 8:29 describes a critical moment in the history of the divided kingdoms of Israel and Judah, setting the stage for significant prophetic fulfillment and dramatic events. The verse details King Joram of Israel's return to Jezreel for recovery after being wounded in battle against Hazael, king of Syria, at Ramah. It also mentions the visit of King Ahaziah of Judah to his ailing uncle, Joram.

Context

This verse immediately follows Joram's participation in a battle against the Syrians at Ramah in Gilead, a strategic location. King Joram, also known as Jehoram, was the son of King Ahab of Israel. His opponent, Hazael, had recently ascended to the Syrian throne, a transition prophesied by the prophet Elisha. Joram's injury and subsequent retreat to Jezreel are pivotal because Jezreel was a significant royal residence for the northern kingdom and a place deeply associated with the House of Ahab and its impending judgment. Ahaziah's visit highlights the close, yet ultimately disastrous, dynastic ties between the royal houses of Judah and Israel, established through intermarriage.

Key Themes

  • Consequences of Warfare: The verse vividly portrays the physical toll of military conflict, even on powerful kings. Joram's wounds underscore the harsh realities of ancient warfare.
  • Royal Interconnections: Ahaziah's visit to Joram emphasizes the political and familial alliances between Judah and Israel. This connection, however, would prove fatal for Ahaziah, as he became entangled in the divine judgment against Ahab's line.
  • Vulnerability of Kings: Despite their authority and power, kings like Joram were subject to human frailties such as injury and illness, reminding us of the limitations of earthly power.
  • Setting the Stage for Judgment: Joram's convalescence in Jezreel is not merely a historical detail but a crucial setup for the dramatic events that unfold in the next chapter. It strategically places the key figures in the location where God's judgment against the wicked House of Ahab would be executed.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "went back to be healed" simply conveys Joram's retreat for recovery. The Hebrew term for "wounds" is makkot (ΧžΦ·Χ›ΦΌΧ•ΦΉΧͺ), indicating physical blows or injuries. "Sick" is choleh (Χ—ΦΉΧœΦΆΧ”), denoting illness or infirmity. The power of this verse lies less in obscure linguistic nuances and more in its straightforward narrative function of advancing the biblical story towards the fulfillment of divine prophecy.

Practical Application

This verse, though a brief historical account, is a powerful reminder of how God orchestrates events, even seemingly mundane details like a king's injury, to fulfill His divine purposes. Joram's wounds and his subsequent retreat to Jezreel were not random occurrences but part of God's sovereign plan to bring about the anointing of Jehu and the purge of the House of Ahab. It teaches us that God's plan unfolds meticulously, often through the actions and circumstances of human leaders, leading to the ultimate triumph of His will and justice. It also serves as a warning against unholy alliances, as Ahaziah's visit tragically led to his own demise alongside Joram.

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Cross-References

  • 2 Kings 9:15

    But king Joram was returned to be healed in Jezreel of the wounds which the Syrians had given him, when he fought with Hazael king of Syria.) And Jehu said, If it be your minds, [then] let none go forth [nor] escape out of the city to go to tell [it] in Jezreel.

  • 2 Kings 9:16

    ΒΆ So Jehu rode in a chariot, and went to Jezreel; for Joram lay there. And Ahaziah king of Judah was come down to see Joram.

  • 2 Chronicles 22:5

    He walked also after their counsel, and went with Jehoram the son of Ahab king of Israel to war against Hazael king of Syria at Ramothgilead: and the Syrians smote Joram.

  • 2 Chronicles 22:7

    And the destruction of Ahaziah was of God by coming to Joram: for when he was come, he went out with Jehoram against Jehu the son of Nimshi, whom the LORD had anointed to cut off the house of Ahab.

  • 1 Kings 22:34

    And a [certain] man drew a bow at a venture, and smote the king of Israel between the joints of the harness: wherefore he said unto the driver of his chariot, Turn thine hand, and carry me out of the host; for I am wounded.

  • 2 Kings 8:28

    And he went with Joram the son of Ahab to the war against Hazael king of Syria in Ramothgilead; and the Syrians wounded Joram.
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